makeup artist

1

february 17th, 2022

soft music played from dal's phone, IU's vocals waking him from his slumber. letting out a low groan, dal's voice crackled as he grumbled to himself, checking the time.

7 oclock.

the sun was still set, dirt-filled slush caking the edged of the streets. taking a deep breath, dal stood up, feet pattering on the cold floor as he opened the curtains to the window, face pressed against the cold window as he watched the city sleepily start.

rubbing his hair, he grabbed his hoodie from the desk chair overflowing with books and makeup, walking out his small bedroom and entering the rest of the apartment.

grabbing a mug from the cabinet, dal put it under his coffee maker, starting to brew the ground coffee beans. to the quiet repetitive sound of dripping coffee, he dug around the pantry, making a packet of apple cinnamon oatmeal in his microwave. a ding from the machine let dal now it was done, smiling as he took a sip from his mug, pulling the hot porcelain out from the door. dal walked the other side of the counter, sliding a non filled barstool out from under the overhang, sitting down.

enjoying his meal, dal took a deep breath in. the same routine. simple mornings, what he loved the most. taking another bite from his oatmeal, he winced as the hot, metal spoon touched the roof of his mouth, his phone ringtone startling him. picking up the device, he smiled at the name of his sister displayed, answering the call quickly. "what's up noona?"

"uncle dal!" his 5 year old nephew squealed, a large smile being plastered on his face. "yejun! how are you?" "i'm great!" dal loved hearing the soft giggles in his nephew's voice. "go on love." his sister urged, yejun breaking out in another round of laughter. "i wanted to give uncle dal good luck at his first day of work!" "thank you kiddo! i'll come by and see you when i get my paycheck and we can go get some jjajjangmyeon together, okay?" yejun happily agreed, the two saying their goodbyes as the 5 year old passed the phone to his mother, the siblings talking.

"dal, i'm proud of you." dal smiled, taking a sip from his coffee, caffiene surging through his body. "thank you noona." "well, i'm sure you have to get going. i love you." "love you too noona." hanging up the call, dal checked the time, calmly closing his phone to finish eating, walking back into his room.

resisting the urge to flop back into bed, dal looked through his closet, attempting to find a nice outfit for his first day of work. taking out a black shirt, he grabbed a tan cardigan and a leather belt, laying them over his grey jeans. undressing himself, he put his new clothes on, smoothing out the wrinkles as he smiled in the mirror, grabbing pair of socks and sliding them on his feet, his shoes going over them.

running to the bathroom, dal quickly brushed his teeth, fighting a gag as the taste of coffee and mint toothpaste mixed in his mouth. exiting the bathroom, he grabbed his phone and wallet, taking his keys from on his desk before entering the main section of the apartment.

looking around, dal unhooked his jacket from the coat hanger, throwing it over his shoulders and swiftly zipping it up. a hat went on his head as he grabbed his bag, exiting the house, the door shutting with a click as he locked the front door, making his way out of the apartment building.

sitting at the covered bus stop, he waited for the bus to arrive, earbuds blocking out the 8am hustle on the streets as people raced to work and school. two high schoolers sat next to him, quietly giggling to themselves. it was a time he remembered fondly although he wished to not experience it once more.

the bus screeched to a stop in front of them, dal pulling out his bus card as the doors opened up, quickly scanning it and sitting down by a window, turning on his playlist. 10cm started floating into his head, silently humming along as he the bus started again, waiting for his arrival to hybe.